Aruba All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Aruba's pitch is reliability: it sits below the hurricane belt for near-guaranteed sunshine year-round, it's one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, and Palm Beach is lined with easy, lively all-inclusives. They don't call it 'One Happy Island' for nothing. Here's what to know before you book.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Always confirm entry and safety details with official government sources before you travel.
Do you need a passport, visa, or ED Card?
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport (good for the length of your stay) but no visa for visits up to 90 days.
Aruba does require an online ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation form) completed within 72 hours before arrival, which also collects a $20-per-person sustainability fee. Fill it out at the official aruba.com site and save the confirmation to your phone.
Is Aruba safe?
Aruba is one of the Caribbean's safest destinations — the U.S. State Department rates it Level 1, 'Exercise Normal Precautions,' the lowest tier. Petty theft is the main thing to guard against; secure your valuables and you'll have an easy, relaxed trip. Check travel.state.gov before you go.
Currency and tipping
The Aruban florin is the local currency, but U.S. dollars are accepted virtually everywhere, so there's no need to exchange. Restaurants often add a service charge; otherwise tip 10–15% for good service, with a few dollars for housekeeping and drivers.
When to visit
Aruba is a true year-round destination — it sits below the hurricane belt, so even late summer and fall, risky elsewhere in the Caribbean, are reliably sunny and dry here. It's breezy and warm almost always; prices peak December through April.
Getting there & around
Fly into Queen Beatrix International (AUA) at Oranjestad, an easy hop from the U.S. East Coast with U.S. customs preclearance on the way home (you clear before you fly, so you land stateside as a domestic arrival). Aruba drives on the right; resort transfers, taxis, and an easy bus line along the hotel strip cover most needs.
What to do beyond the resort
Beyond Palm and Eagle beaches, take a UTV or jeep tour into rugged Arikok National Park, snorkel the Antilla shipwreck, find the natural pool (Conchi), and watch sunset at the California Lighthouse. The water is calm, clear, and ideal for first-time snorkelers.
Good to know
Power & plugs: 120V, same as the U.S. Language: Dutch and Papiamento officially, but English is universal. Water: Aruba's tap water is desalinated and safe to drink. Sunscreen: reef-safe. Dress: casual and beachy.
The best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba
The Aruba properties we'd actually book — tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport for Aruba?
Yes, a valid passport (good for your stay), but no visa for visits up to 90 days. You must also complete the online ED Card within 72 hours of arrival, which includes a $20 sustainability fee.
What is the Aruba ED Card?
A required online Embarkation/Disembarkation form completed within 72 hours before arrival at the official aruba.com site. It also collects the $20-per-person sustainability fee.
Is Aruba safe?
Very — it's rated Level 1 by the U.S. State Department, the lowest advisory tier. Petty theft is the main concern; secure valuables and you'll be fine.
Can I use U.S. dollars in Aruba?
Yes — USD is accepted virtually everywhere, so there's no need to exchange. Keep small bills for tips.
When is the best time to visit Aruba?
Any time — Aruba sits below the hurricane belt, so it's reliably sunny year-round. Prices peak December through April.
Is there a hurricane risk in Aruba?
Very low — Aruba is below the main hurricane belt, which is a big part of its year-round appeal.
Not sure which Aruba resort is right for you?
Take our two-minute quiz and we'll match you — or browse the whole collection.